Religion and Worldviews
Intent of our Religion and Worldviews curriculum
At Trotts Hill Primary School, the intent of our Religion and Worldviews teaching is to:
- deepen critical thinking skills through greater subject knowledge of Christianity and the other five principal religions represented in Great Britain
- encourage children to reflect on and develop their own beliefs and ways of living whilst encourging positive and respectful attitudes towards those of different faiths, beliefs and ways of living
- develop children who flourish in a diverse society and to find their place within it.
Our high-quality Religion and Worldviews curriculum is integral to our school vision; “…where each individual is cared for deeply, valued and respected; where everyone in the school community has the opportunity to learn in an environment full of excitement and fun, so they can grow up to be lifelong learners and assets in the community, society and world they live in.”
Implementation of our Religion and Worldviews curriculum
Religion and Worldviews is taught in all year groups across the school. It may be blocked into subject days/afternoons or taught as one hour weekly lessons. Our R&WV learning is recorded in whole class ‘big books’, which enable us to focus our teaching on high quality discussion, hands on experiences and enquiry-based learning rather than an onerous focus on individual recording.
We follow the Herts Agreed Syllabus 2023-2028 with the overall approach based upon respect, understanding and engaging with diversity.
To enhance children’s learning, we draw upon the children’s own experiences of Religion and Worldviews. All religions and their communities are treated with respect and sensitivity and we value the links, which are, and can be made between home, school, and a faith community. We acknowledge that each religion studied can contribute to the education of all our pupils.
We ensure that all children are appropriately challenged, whilst collaborative learning techniques are utilised and questioning is not only teacher-led but also child-led. The "Ultimate Questions" from the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus support the use of big questions and open discussions.
Where possible, we provide children with the opportunity to visit local places of worship and all staff have access to a database of contact details for local places of worship/visitors from faiths.
Throughout their time at Trotts Hill, children will follow a coherent and systematic study of the principal religion of Christianity as well as five other principal religions represented in Great Britain. Judaism and Islam will be the predominant additional principal faiths in KS1. Islam and Sanatana Dharma (formerly referred to as Hinduism) will be the focus for lower KS2. Buddhism, and Sikhi will be covered in upper KS2. Children may also learn from other Religions and Worldviews (such as Humanism) in thematic units.
All six principal religions will have been introduced and revisited by the end of the Key Stage 2. It is our aim that all children will leave Trotts Hill being able to recall the top five faith facts of all six principal religions studied.
There are no presumptions made as to the religious backgrounds and beliefs and values of the children and the staff. We value the religious background of all members of the school community and hope that this will encourage individuals to share their own experiences with others freely.
Impact of our Religion and Worldviews curriculum
The children at Trotts Hill Primary School enjoy learning about Religion and Worldviews and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion or to follow elements of religions.
As young citizens, of not just Hertfordshire, but also of the United Kingdom and the world, the impact of their R&WV learning will help them understand that they can contribute positively to inclusive and safe communities in which everyone is valued, kept safe and which embrace and celebrate diversity.
Trotts Hill sees that Religion and Worldviews are invaluable in an ever-changing world.
Curriculum Maps and Yearly Overview
Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus for RE
In R&WV we follow the Herts agreed syllabus, which reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian whilst taking account of the teaching and practises of five other principle religions represented in Great Britain.
We teach different religions in different year groups, as shown on our curriculum map. During each key stage, children will develop religious, theological and philosophical literacy by following eight key areas of learning, which are:
- Beliefs and practices
- Sources of wisdom
- Symbols and Actions
- Prayer, Worship and Refection
- Identity and Belonging
- Ultimate Questions
- Human Responsibility and Values
- Justice and Fairness
*”A worldview is a person’s way of understanding, experiencing and responding to the world. It can be described as a philosophy of life or an approach to life…A person’s worldview is likely to influence and be influenced by their beliefs, values, behaviours, experiences, identities and commitments.” (Religion and Worldviews: The Way Forward p4)
Long term plans
Expected outcomes by Key Stage
2025 - 2026 Religion and Worldviews (R&WV) across the school
Owl Agents Assembly
Today in assembly, the Owl agents presented to the school on the minor beliefs we looked at for World Religion Day. Presentation with examples of work below.
World Religion Day feedback assembly 2026
Owl Agents deliver assembly on World Religion Day 2026
The Owl agents confidently delivered a whole school assembly talking about the current religions studied at Trotts Hill and the minor beliefs we will be studying before half term.
See the assembly slides attached.
Church Visit
This morning, we were delighted to welcome David and Gemma from Saint Nicholas Church to join us.
They led a thoughtful discussion on the theme of change, encouraging us to reflect on the changes we may face in life and what we can do to prepare ourselves for new opportunities and challenges ahead. It was a wonderful chance to share ideas, experiences, and support one another. We also enjoyed singing together, with David providing the music and serenading us on the guitar. 
Summer 2026
Spring 2026
Reception - Eid celebrations
Some of our families have been celebrating Eid and we have enjoyed listening to them share all about their visits to the Mosque and family celebrations.
Year 3 - Christianity - Did Jesus perform miracles or is there some other explanation?
In RE, the children listened to a Bible story where Jesus healed a paralysed man. They decided whether a miracle had been performed. The children then used their oracy skills to create a Newsround style news report of the event.
Year 5 - Christianity
During a visit to St Nicholas Church, Year 5 learned more about significance of Easter for Christians. This linked with the key question - How significant for Christians to believe that God intended Jesus to die? They learned about the message behind the washing of feet and how Christians believe that the events of Easter were foretold.
Autumn 2025
Year 2 Christmas Journey
Our Year 2 children enjoyed a magical trip to The Christmas Journey at St Nicholas Church in Stevenage. The visit brought the Nativity story to life through interactive storytelling, engaging activities, and beautifully presented scenes. Children were able to explore the events of the first Christmas in a warm, reflective atmosphere, helping them deepen their understanding of this special time of year. It was a wonderful experience that enriched their learning and filled everyone with festive excitement. We were particularly impressed with the thoughtful questions that Year 2 asked the shepherds and the wise men as we were exploring the different scenes.
Year 6 - Gemma from Bridge Builder's Trust
Gemma from Bridge Builder's Trust spoke to the children about Christian traditions and celebrations which are important to her and her family. The children came up with questions they wanted to ask Gemma to help further their understanding of Christian celebrations.
Assembly visit from Assistant Minister David
Today, David joined us from St Nicholas Church to tell about the importance of names at Christmas. He explained that Jesus wasn't named by Mary or Joseph, but by God before he was born. His name means saviour. We were so fortunate today as David brought in his guitar and we sang a song about Jesus with the tune Jingle Bells. Thank you for visiting us, David and telling us about your Christian Worldview. Our Owl Agents then interviewed David about his faith.
An interview with David Sydenham, Assistant Minister by the Owl Agents
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Grace |
Can you read any Hebrew, the original language of the bible? |
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Not yet. I am currently learning Greek so I can read the New Testament which is written in Greek. I will then attempt to learn Hebrew which the Old Testament is written in . |
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Grace |
Do you participate in midnight mass? |
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I haven’t been to a midnight mass. My old church didn’t hold one. |
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Noah |
What is the most important part of Christmas to you, as a Christian? |
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From my assembly you can probably tell that it’s Jesus. Christmas helps me to remember how he was sent to save us. God is the creator of everything and He sent us Jesus as a gift at Christmas to save us. |
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Aairah |
Were you brought up as a Christian? When were you baptised? |
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I was brought up as a Baptist and when I was 17 years old I was baptised. I made the decision for myself when I felt I was old enough. |
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Jaylah |
What did you want to be when you were in primary school? |
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Not a minister! My mum would say I wanted to be a guitarist or a teacher (my Dad is both). I also wanted to be an engineer but I eventually decided that the Ministry is for me and actually it involves both music and teaching! |
Year 3 - Christianity
The children were given objects associated with Christmas. They used their oracy skills to discuss what these objects represent and mean for Christians.
Year 4 Christianity
Year 4 looked at the different symbols within the Nativity story and thought about their importance to Christians. At the end of the unit, we made our own 3D Christmas decorations, using symbols that showed how we celebrate this time of year in our different ways.